It's used to treat yeast infections, including thrush in men and women, although thrush is more common in women.
Thrush is caused by a fungus (yeast) and can affect the vagina, the area around the vagina, breasts and nipples or the end of the penis. It can also affect other areas of skin, such as the armpits, top of the inner thighs (groin) and between the fingers. Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus (yeast) that is causing the infection.
Clotrimazole comes as an external cream, an internal cream and a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary).
For vaginal thrush you can use either pessaries or cream, or both at the same time. The pessaries and internal cream are sometimes sold together.
For thrush on the penis, breasts, armpits, groin or between the fingers you would use the external cream.
Some Canesten products combine clotrimazole with other medicines. These include Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule and External Cream. The capsule contains fluconazole, and Canesten cream contains clotrimazole.
Clotrimazole for thrush is available to buy in pharmacies and shops. Some stronger treatments are only available with a prescription.
Page last reviewed: 2 November 2022
Next review due: 2 November 2025